Equipment for enabling a user to engage in physical activity, and use of such equipment

ABSTRACT

Equipment that includes a shoe/footwear and a range of footwear elements, and a method of using such equipment, each of such elements being configured to enable a user to perform a type of physical activity that is different from the types of physical activity enabled by the other footwear elements in the range of footwear elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. FR15/02505, filed Dec. 1, 2015, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority ofwhich is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an equipment for enabling a user to engage inphysical activity, and to the use of such equipment.

The invention applies in particular to the practice of physical activityperformed by a user, particularly in the context of a sporting activityor to be able to move around. The invention is applicable to physicalactivities that are performed using an apparatus, such as snowshoes,downhill skis, touring skis, cross-country skis, cycles, or the like, aswell as to physical activities that are performed without using anyparticular apparatus, such as walking, hiking, or any other activitiesrequiring specific shoes.

2. Background Information

To enable the user to practice all of the aforementioned physicalactivities, it is known to use equipment, each of which comprises:

-   -   a shoe adapted to receive a foot of the user, the shoe        comprising a sole assembly on which the foot of the user is        adapted to rest, and a flexible upper comprising a lower portion        adjoining the sole assembly and adapted to cover the foot of the        user, and    -   a footwear element specially adapted to enable the user to        practice a type of physical activity, the footwear element        comprising a sole assembly on which the sole assembly of the        shoe is adapted to rest, and a flexible upper comprising a lower        portion adjoining the sole assembly and adapted to cover the        shoe.

Completely satisfactory equipment of this type is described inparticular in the patent document FR 2 988 981-A1 and family member US2013/0263477-A1.

There is, however, a need for equipment with better modularity to adaptto various types of physical activities.

SUMMARY

The invention meets this need.

To this end, the invention primarily relates to equipment comprising:

-   -   a shoe configured to receive a foot of a user, the shoe        comprising a sole assembly on which the foot of the user is        configured to rest, and a flexible upper comprising a lower        portion adjoining the sole assembly and configured to cover the        foot of the user; and    -   at least one footwear element comprising a sole assembly on        which the sole assembly of the shoe is adapted to rest, and a        flexible upper comprising a lower portion adjoining the sole        assembly and configured to cover the shoe,        in which the at least one footwear element comprises a range of        footwear elements in which each footwear element is specially        configured to receive the shoe and particularly configured to        enable the user to perform a type of physical activity that is        different from the types of physical activity enabled by the        other footwear elements in the range of footwear elements.

The invention provides a wide range of selectable footwear elements fora single shoe, as well selectable pairs of footwear elements for a pairof shoes. The user can then use the shoe (or pair) alone, for examplefor walking, running or the like, or in combination with one (or thepair) of the footwear elements to practice a corresponding type ofphysical activity, and can change the footwear element, when desired, topractice a different type of physical activity. The modularity of thefootwear element is thus improved.

Each of the footwear elements internally comprises a housing speciallyconfigured to receive the shoe. In particular, the housing is similar,or even identical, for all of the footwear elements in the range offootwear elements. It has a shape complementary with the shoe to enableadjustment of the shoe in each of the footwear elements in the range offootwear elements, and to thus enable the practice of various types ofphysical activities while ensuring the safety and comfort of the user.

Each of the footwear elements may include functional membersspecifically configured for the practice of a type of physical activity,the functional members of each footwear element being different from thefunctional members of the other footwear elements in the range offootwear elements.

The functional members of each footwear element can be rigidlyconnected, such as connected for no movement in relation to, suchfootwear element.

The sole assembly of each footwear element may have an inner surfaceconfigured to be in contact with the sole assembly of the shoe, and anouter surface opposite the inner surface, and at least a portion of thefunctional members of each footwear element can be carried by the outersurface of the sole assembly of such footwear element.

One of the footwear elements may comprise notches or tread blocks on theouter surface of the sole assembly as functional members, the soleassembly having no through-holes between the inner and outer surfaces.

One of the footwear elements may comprise spikes projecting in relationto the outer surface of the sole assembly as functional members.

At least one of the footwear elements can be configured to be mounted onat least one apparatus, the functional members of such footwear elementcomprising a fastening element configured to cooperate with a lockingmechanism provided on the apparatus for reversibly retaining thefootwear element on the apparatus.

The sole assembly of each footwear element may extend along an extensiondirection between a tip and a heel, and the fastening element maycomprise at least a front portion configured to be mounted in thevicinity of the tip of the sole assembly of the footwear element, and afastening device configured to be reversibly retained in the lockingmechanism, the fastening device being at least partially provided on thefront portion of the fastening element.

The fastening device of the fastening element may comprise at least onepin extending perpendicular to the extension direction at a distancefrom the outer surface of the sole assembly, the pin being configured tocooperate with two jaws of the locking mechanism that are movablebetween a locking position, in which the jaws are moved closer to oneanother to clamp the pin, and a retracted position, in which the jawsare spaced apart to allow positioning of the pin therebetween.

The upper of at least one of the footwear elements may further comprisean upper portion extending from the lower portion away from the soleassembly as a functional member.

The equipment may comprise a pair of shoes each configured to receiveone foot of the user, and a range of pairs of footwear elements, each ofthe pairs of footwear elements being configured to enable the user topractice a type of physical activity that is different from the types ofphysical activity enabled by the other pairs of footwear elements in therange of pairs of footwear elements, the footwear elements of each pairof footwear elements each being configured to receive one of the shoes.As a result of this arrangement, the user can always use the same shoesfor the various activities. Thus, the user always finds the same fittingvolume, that is, the same foot-enveloping, for each foot, with comfortand the ability to transmit the associated sensory information,irrespective of the activity engaged in. Consequently, the user does notexperience changes in the perception of sensory information, which mighthave been the case had the user changed shoes, instead of changingfootwear elements. Indeed, the conventional shoes dedicated to specificactivities each offer slightly different fitting volumes and a slightlydifferent level of comfort, albeit for the same shoe size.

Secondarily, the invention relates to the use of an equipment as definedabove, such use comprising:

-   -   inserting the foot in the shoe, and then inserting the shoe in a        first footwear element in the range of footwear elements to        practice a first type of physical activity, and    -   removing the shoe from the first footwear element, and then        inserting the shoe in a second footwear element in the range of        footwear elements to practice a second type of physical activity        that is different from the first type of physical activity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following description of a particular embodiment of theinvention given by way of non-limiting example, the description beingmade with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of equipment comprising a shoe and afirst footwear element selected from a range of footwear elements, inwhich each footwear element is specially configured to receive the shoeand specially configured to enable the user to perform a type ofphysical activity that is different from the types of physical activityenabled by the other footwear elements in the range of footwearelements, the first footwear element being specially configured forhiking, the first footwear element comprising a sole assembly, an outersurface of which bears notches or tread blocks;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shoe being inserted into the firstfootwear element of the equipment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom view of the outer surface of the soleassembly of the first footwear element of the equipment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the outer surface of the soleassembly of a second footwear element of the equipment of FIG. 1, thesecond footwear element being specially configured to receive the shoeand especially configured for walking on slippery ground, the soleassembly comprising spikes projecting in relation to the outer surface;

FIG. 5 is a perspective bottom view of the outer surface of the soleassembly of a third footwear element of the equipment of FIG. 1, thethird footwear element being specially configured to receive the shoeand especially configured for cross-country skiing, the sole assemblycomprising two pins, one of which is configured to cooperate with alocking mechanism of the cross-country ski; and

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are views similar to those of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3,illustrating a fourth footwear element of the equipment of FIG. 1, thefourth footwear element comprising a flexible upper comprising only alower portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawing figures, the same reference numerals designate identicalor similar elements.

The drawing figures show equipment 1 for enabling a user to performvarious types of physical activity. As explained in the followingdescription, the equipment 1 allows and facilitates the practice of anyof many types of physical activities that may or may not involve the useof an apparatus. Snowshoeing, downhill skiing, ski touring,cross-country skiing, cycling, and the like are non-limiting examples ofthe types of physical activities that can be performed using theequipment 1 of the invention with an apparatus. Similarly, walking,hiking, or the like, are non-limiting examples of the types of physicalactivities that can be performed using the equipment 1 of the inventionwithout an apparatus.

In particular, the equipment 1 comprises a single pair of shoes 2 and aplurality of pairs of footwear elements 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d. Thefootwear elements 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d of each pair are speciallyadapted to receive one of the shoes 2, and carry functional members thatare specific to the practice of one type of physical activity for whichthe pair is intended. The pairs of footwear elements 20 a, 20 b, 20 c,20 d thus constitute a range of pairs of footwear elements 20 a, 20 b,20 c, 20 d, in which each pair of footwear elements 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20d is specially configured to enable the user to perform a type ofphysical activity that is different from the types of physicalactivities enabled by the other pairs of footwear elements 20 a, 20 b,20 c, 20 d in the range of pairs of footwear elements 20 a, 20 b, 20 c,20 d. As a result, the equipment offers the specific capabilitiesdesired for a given activity.

Each shoe 2 of a respective pair of such shoes, which is configured toreceive a respective foot of the user, comprises a sole assembly 3 onwhich the foot of the user is configured to rest, and a flexible upper4. The sole assembly 3, such as a flexible sole assembly to allowbending or foot rolling movement (that is, longitudinal bending duringalternate raising and lowering of the heel), extends lengthwise from arear end, or heel 5, to a front end, or tip 6. In the illustratedembodiment, the upper 4 includes only a lower portion 4 a adjoining thesole assembly 3 and is configured to cover the foot of the user. Theupper 4, in the area of the heel 5, has an upper edge 8 demarcating anopening 9 through which the user can insert his/her foot into the shoe2. To facilitate foot insertion, the upper edge 8 can be extended over aportion of the upper 4 corresponding to the instep by an opening 10, orslot, having two opposite edges 11. The opposite edges 11 may beconnected to one another by a reversible tightening device, such as alace 12, for example.

Each footwear element 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d internally comprises ahousing 33 specially configured, particularly in terms of shape anddimensions, for receiving the shoe 2. In particular, the housing 33 isprovided so that adjustment of the shoe 2 in each of the footwearelements 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d ensures comfort and safety for the userwhile practicing the type of physical activities corresponding to arespective one of the footwear elements 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d. Thefootwear element 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d can also be configured toprotect the shoe 2 and the foot of the user. It may then be made so asto ensure impermeability to water or snow, thermal insulation, and/or tohave reinforcements for protection against impacts, or the like.

Each of the footwear elements includes a sole assembly 23 on which thesole assembly 3 of the shoe 2 is configured to rest, and a flexibleupper 24.

The sole assembly 23, such as a sole assembly that is flexible to allowbending or foot rolling movement, extends along an extension direction Efrom a rear end, or heel 25, to a front end, or tip 26. The soleassembly 23 has an inner surface 23 a configured to be in contact withthe sole assembly 3 of the shoe 2, and an outer surface 23 b oppositethe inner surface 23 a and configured to be directed towards a groundsurface or, as further explained in the following description, towardsthe apparatus on which the footwear element 20 c can be mounted.

The upper 24, in a non-limiting embodiment, forms a continuous envelopeprovided, in the area of the heel 25, with an upper edge 28 demarcatinga shoe insertion opening 29 through which the user can insert the shoe 2into the footwear element 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d. To facilitateinsertion of the shoe 2, the upper edge 28 can be extended over aportion of the upper 24 by an opening 30, which can take the form of aslot/slit having two opposite edges 31. The opposite edges 31 may beconnected to one another by a reversible tightening device, such as aslide fastener 32 having a slider and pull tab, for example, as shown inthe exemplary embodiment. An additional tightening member 34 may beprovided on the upper 24, in the vicinity of the shoe insertion opening29, to improve support of the footwear element 20 a, 20 b, 20 c in thearea of the ankle of the user.

In FIGS. 1 to 5, the upper 24 comprises a lower portion 24 a adjoiningthe sole assembly 23 and provided to cover the shoe 2 of the user. Italso comprises an upper portion 24 b extending the lower portion 24 a ina direction away from the sole assembly 23. The upper portion 24 b isprovided to cover at least the ankle of the user, or the ankle and aportion of the lower leg. The shoe insertion opening 29 is then providedon the upper portion 24 b, and the slit 30 extends laterally over theupper portion 24 b and on a portion of the lower portion 24 a of theupper 24 corresponding to the instep. The footwear element 20 a, 20 b,20 c comprises the additional tightening member 34 formed by a tongue 35extending between a first end connected to the upper portion 24 b of theupper 24 and a second free end. The tongue 35 is provided with afastening textile strip 36 configured to cooperate with a complementaryfastening textile strip provided on the upper portion 24 b of the upper24. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the upper 24 may onlycomprise the lower portion 24 a on which the shoe insertion opening 29and the slit 30 are provided.

FIGS. 1 to 3, in particular, show the shoe 2 and a first footwearelement 20 a specially configured for hiking. As shown in FIG. 3, in anon-limiting fashion, the first footwear element 20 a comprisesfunctional members specially configured for hiking in the form ofnotches or tread blocks 40 formed unitarily or integrally with the outersurface 23 b of the sole assembly 23. The sole assembly 23 of the firstfootwear element 20 a is also devoid of through-holes between its inner23 a and outer 23 b surfaces. These functional members may also comprisea predetermined thickness of the sole assembly 23 of the first footwearelement 20 a and/or a predetermined flexibility of the sole assembly 23.The upper portion 24 b of the upper 24, ensuring a particular supportfor the ankle of the user, also constitutes a portion of the functionalmembers.

FIG. 4 shows a second footwear element 20 b specially configured forwalking on slippery ground, such as on ice or snow, for example. Thesecond footwear element 20 b comprises functional members that aredifferent from the functional members of the first footwear element 20a, made in the form of spikes 50 projecting in relation to the outersurface 23 b of the sole assembly 23. In particular, the second footwearelement 20 b includes a rear crampon 51 located in the area of the heel25 of the sole assembly 23, correspondingly with the heel of the user'sfoot, and a front crampon 52 located in the area of the tip 26 of thesole assembly 23, correspondingly with the toes and metatarsus of thefoot of the user. The rear crampon 51 comprises a body 53 and spikes 50,and the front crampon 52 comprises a body 54 and spikes 50. The frontcrampon 52 comprises a transverse articulation 55 connecting twosubdivisions of the body 54 to one another. Each of the front 52 andrear 51 crampons is rigidly connected to the sole assembly 23 of thesecond footwear element 20 b. For example, rivets 56 or other permanent,irremovable, attachment fasteners or other permanent expedient (thatwould not require destruction of part of the crampon or sole assembly,for example), could maintain the body 54, 53 of each of the front 52 andrear 51 crampons in contact with the outer surface 23 b of the soleassembly 23.

Alternatively, other functional members, such as those described in thepatent document FR-A1-2 988 981 and family member US 2013/0263477-A1,for example, could be provided. The disclosure of US 2013/0263477-A1 ishereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, including forthe purpose of disclosing the aforementioned functional members.

As indicated above, the range of pairs of footwear elements may compriseone or more pairs of footwear elements configured to be mounted on anapparatus. In this regard, FIG. 5 shows a third footwear element 20 cspecially configured for the practice of cross-country skiing.

The third footwear element 20 c comprises functional members that aredifferent from the functional members of the first 20 a and second 20 bfootwear elements. In particular, the functional members of the thirdfootwear element 20 c comprise a fastening element 60 configured tocooperate with a locking mechanism provided on the apparatus forreversibly retaining the third footwear element 20 c on the apparatus,such as a cross-country ski, for example.

The fastening element 60 comprises a front portion 61 in the vicinity ofthe tip 26 of the sole assembly 23 of the third footwear element 20 c,and a fastening device 62 configured to be reversibly retained in thelocking mechanism of the cross-country ski. The fastening device 62 isprovided only on the front portion 61 of the fastening element 60 so asto allow the heel 25 of the sole assembly 23 to be free when the thirdfootwear element 20 c is mounted on the cross-country ski.

The fastening device 62, of the type described in the document FR-A1-2968 898 and family member US 2012/0151801-A1, includes first 63 andsecond 64 bars extending along the extension direction E betweencorrespondingly positioned ends. The disclosure of US 2012/0151801-A1 ishereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, including forthe purpose of disclosing the aforementioned fastening device. The first63 and second 64 bars, comprised of one or more synthetic materials,such as plastic, rubber or the like, are rigidly connected to the soleassembly 23, for example by means of screws, glue, overmolding, or thelike. The fastening device 62 also includes first 65 and second 66transverse pins or rods made of any suitable material, such as metalsuch as steel, and each having ends embedded in the first 63 and second64 bars, respectively, so that they extend perpendicular to theextension direction E, at a distance from the outer surface 23 b of thesole assembly 23. In particular, the first pin 65 is located on the sideof the first respective opposite ends of the first 63 and second 64bars, and the second pin 66 is located on the side of the secondrespective opposite ends of the first 63 and second 64 bars.

The first pin 65 is configured to cooperate with the locking mechanismof the cross-country ski. The second pin 66 is then provided to beelastically biased by a return mechanism of the cross-country ski. Thelocking mechanism may comprise two jaws. The jaws have a lockingposition in which they are moved closer to one another to clamp thefirst pin 65 and thereby retain the front portion 61 of the fasteningelement 60 while allowing the heel of the third footwear element 20 c tobe free. The jaws are reversibly movable towards a retracted position inwhich they are spaced apart to enable the first pin 65 to be positionedtherebetween or to be removed therefrom.

Alternatively, other fastening devices may be provided. In particular,the fastening device may comprise only one transverse pin, such as pin65. In addition, any other type of device for fastening to other typesof apparatuses than a cross-country ski could be provided.

FIGS. 6-8 show a fourth footwear element 20 d specially configured forsports hiking, trail running, or mountain running. The functionalmembers of this fourth footwear element 20 d only differ from those ofthe first footwear element 20 a in that its upper 24 is devoid of upperportion 24 b and comprises only a lower portion 24 a.

The invention is not limited to the particular footwear elementsdescribed above and integrates any footwear element provided withfunctional members rigidly connected to the footwear element andspecially configured for the practice of a type of physical activity,the functional members of the footwear element being different from thefunctional members of the other footwear elements in the range offootwear elements.

To use the equipment described above, the user inserts his/her foot inthe shoe 2 and then inserts the shoe 2 in one of the footwear elementsin the range of footwear elements, for example the first footwearelement 20 a to practice hiking, as shown in FIG. 2. To change the typeof physical activity, for example to switch to trekking or trailrunning, that is, to a mountain foot race, the user removes the shoe 2from the first footwear element 20 a and then inserts it in the fourthfootwear element 20 d, as shown in FIG. 7.

Generally, a footwear element may have a shoe insertion opening extendedrearward, by a rear slit or slot, rather than forward, such as a rearinsertion opening like that disclosed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2013/0263477-A1, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference thereto in its entirety. In that case, theshoe insertion occurs from the rear.

Still generally, it has been shown that an advantage of the invention isto keep the same footwear, irrespective of the practice. With theinvention, the user is less dependent on the usual differences betweenthe various shoes used for various practices, when compared to practiceswith shoes according to the prior art.

It has also shown that the envelope of a footwear element hascharacteristic(s) that are configured to the practice for which it isintended. Such characteristics can relate, for example, toimperviousness, ground-adhering, damping, protection against impacts,reinforcement, material, structure of the mechanism for affixing to anapparatus, dimensions, ventilation capabilities, or the like.

Further, at least because the invention is disclosed herein in a mannerthat enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure ofparticular exemplary embodiments, such as for simplicity or efficiency,for example, the invention can be practiced in the absence of anyadditional element or additional structure that is not specificallydisclosed herein. For example, it can be said that, as a non-limitingembodiment, all or particular ones of the footwear elements do notinclude a metatarsus strap or an instep strap, such as disclosed in theaforementioned US 2013/0263477-A1.

1. Equipment for enabling a user to engage in any of a range of physicalactivities, comprising: a shoe configured to receive a foot of the user,the shoe comprising: a sole assembly configured to support the foot ofthe user; a flexible upper comprising a lower portion adjoining the soleassembly and configured to cover the foot of the user, and at least onefootwear element comprising: a sole assembly configured to support thesole assembly of the shoe; a flexible upper comprising a lower portionadjoining the sole assembly of the footwear element and configured tocover the shoe; said at least one footwear element comprising a range offootwear elements; each of the range of footwear elements beingconfigured to receive the shoe and being configured to enable the userto perform at least one type of a range of types of physical activitiesthat is different from types of physical activity enabled by others ofthe footwear elements in the range of footwear elements.
 2. Equipmentaccording to claim 1, wherein: each of the footwear elements internallycomprises a housing configured to receive the shoe.
 3. Equipmentaccording to claim 1, wherein: each of the footwear elements comprisesfunctional members configured to facilitate practicing one of the typesof physical activities from among the different types of physicalactivities; and the functional members of each of respective ones of therange of footwear elements being different from the functional membersof the others of the footwear elements in the range of footwearelements.
 4. Equipment according to claim 3, wherein: the functionalmembers of each of the footwear elements are rigidly connected to arespective one of said footwear elements.
 5. Equipment according toclaim 3, wherein: the sole assembly of each of the footwear elements hasan inner surface configured to be in contact with the sole assembly ofthe shoe, and an outer surface opposite the inner surface; and at leasta portion of the functional members of each of the footwear elements iscarried by the outer surface of the sole assembly of a respective one ofthe footwear elements.
 6. Equipment according to claim 5, wherein: oneof the footwear elements comprises notches and tread blocks on the outersurface of the sole assembly as the functional members; and the soleassembly of the one of the footwear elements being devoid ofthrough-holes between the inner and outer surfaces.
 7. Equipmentaccording to claim 5, wherein: one of the footwear elements comprisesspikes projecting away from the outer surface of the sole assembly asthe functional members.
 8. Equipment according to claim 5, wherein: atleast one of the footwear elements is configured to be mounted on atleast one apparatus and comprises a fastening element configured tocooperate with a locking mechanism provided on the apparatus forreversibly retaining the footwear element on the apparatus.
 9. Equipmentaccording to claim 8, wherein: the sole assembly of each of the footwearelements extends along an extension direction between a tip and a heel;and the fastening element comprises: at least a front portion configuredto be mounted in a vicinity of the tip of the sole assembly of thefootwear element; and a fastening device configured to be reversiblyretained in the locking mechanism, the fastening device being at leastpartially provided on the front portion of the fastening element. 10.Equipment according to claim 9, wherein: the fastening device of thefastening element comprises: at least one pin extending perpendicular tothe extension direction at a distance from the outer surface of the soleassembly; the pin is configured to cooperate with two jaws of thelocking mechanism that are movable between a locking position, in whichsaid jaws are moved closer to one another to clamp the pin, and aretracted position, in which said jaws are spaced apart to enable thepin to be positioned between the jaws.
 11. Equipment according to claim3, wherein: the upper of at least one of the footwear elements furthercomprises an upper portion extending from the lower portion away fromthe sole assembly as at least one of the functional members. 12.Equipment according to claim 1, wherein: the shoe is a first of a pairof shoes, the pair of shoes comprising a second shoe; the first andsecond shoes are respectively configured to receive a pair feet of theuser, and to be received within a range of pairs of the footwearelements; each of the pairs of footwear elements is configured to enablethe user to perform at least one type of a range of types of physicalactivities that is different from types of physical activity enabled byothers of the pairs of footwear elements in the range of pairs offootwear elements.
 13. Method of using equipment according to claim 1,comprising: inserting a foot in the shoe; then inserting the shoe in afirst of the range of footwear elements to practice a first type ofphysical activity; then removing the shoe from the first of the range offootwear elements; and then inserting the shoe in a second of the rangeof footwear elements to practice a second type of physical activity thatis different from the first type of physical activity.